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Leki Size Guide
LEKI Guide — Poles & Gloves
LEKI is a German brand founded in 1948 in Kirchheim unter Teck (Baden-Württemberg). A global specialist in outdoor poles and gloves, LEKI equips elite athletes worldwide in alpine skiing, ski touring, trail running, trekking, and cross-country skiing. European manufacturing remains at the heart of the brand's identity.
Sources: official LEKI tools (leki.com/fr — Pole length advisor & glove size guide), LEKI USA.
Part 1 — Poles
Alpinstore Return Policy — Poles
- The length of a pole depends on the discipline: the same person will not use the same length in alpine skiing, trekking, or trail running. Calculate according to the discipline's formula.
- Adjustable poles: Vario models (Speed Lock, Twist Lock) adjust over a range of ± 10 to 20 cm — prefer adjustable poles for trekking and ski touring where the terrain angle varies.
- Fixed poles: ideal for competitive alpine skiing or piste skiing where the length does not change. Stiffer and lighter at equal length.
- Right elbow test: for trekking and alpine skiing poles, turn the pole upside down, tip up under the basket, and hold the grip. Your elbow should form a 90° angle — this is the correct length.
- LEKI measures from top to bottom: the LEKI length is measured from the tip to the upper end of the grip.
1. Length Formulas by Discipline
Alpine Skiing (Piste)
Height × 0.70
Elbow test at 90°. Freeride & off-piste: +5 cm.
Trekking & Hiking
Height × 0.68
Elbow at 90°. Adjustable +5 cm uphill, -5 cm downhill.
Ski Touring
Height × 0.70
Adjustable poles essential (uphill & downhill).
Trail Running
Height × 0.65
Shorter than trekking. Preferred compact folding.
Nordic Walking
Height × 0.70
Elbow at 90° + 5 to 7 cm. Tip slightly back in the ground.
Classic Cross-Country Skiing
Height × 0.84
Skating: height × 0.89. Longer than all other sports.
All formulas are with shoes (add the sole height in the calculation). In case of intermediate length, beginners choose the lower length, experienced athletes the upper length. Source: Official LEKI length advisor.
2. Length Table Calculated by Stature
Lengths rounded to the nearest 5 cm. With shoes (add ~1 to 2 cm depending on sole). Lengths in italics are to be adjusted according to preferences and technique.
| Stature (cm) | Alpine Skiing × 0.70 | Trekking × 0.68 | Ski Touring × 0.70 | Trail × 0.65 | Nordic Walking × 0.70 | Classic Cross-Country × 0.84 | Skating × 0.89 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 105 | 100–105 | 105 | 95–100 | 105 | 125 | 135 |
| 155 | 110 | 105 | 110 | 100 | 110 | 130 | 140 |
| 160 | 110–115 | 110 | 110–115 | 105 | 110–115 | 135 | 145 |
| 165 | 115 | 110–115 | 115 | 105–110 | 115 | 140 | 150 |
| 170 | 120 | 115 | 120 | 110 | 120 | 145 | 150–155 |
| 175 | 120–125 | 120 | 120–125 | 115 | 120–125 | 150 | 155 |
| 180 | 125 | 120–125 | 125 | 115–120 | 125 | 150–155 | 160 |
| 185 | 130 | 125 | 130 | 120 | 130 | 155 | 165 |
| 190 | 135 | 130 | 135 | 125 | 135 | 160 | 170 |
All values in cm. Trekking & ski touring: prefer adjustable poles to adapt to the terrain. The 90° elbow test remains the most reliable reference.
3. Terrain Settings — Trekking & Ski Touring
Flat Terrain
= base length
Elbow at 90°
Steep Ascent
– 5 to 10 cm
Shorten to push effectively
Steep Descent
+ 5 to 10 cm
Lengthen to brake and stabilize
Side Work
Long side down
Short side up for lateral balance
4. Main LEKI Pole Ranges
| Range / Model | Discipline | Adjustment System | Material | Range / Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Vario Carbon | Trekking, alpine hiking | Speed Lock 2 | Carbon | Foldable, 38 cm compact |
| Makalu Lite / Makalu | High mountain trekking | Speed Lock 2 Plus | Aluminum | 3 sections, 100–135 cm |
| Cressida / Sherpa | Trekking, hiking | Speed Lock 2 | Aluminum | 2–3 sections, quality/price ratio |
| Ultratrail FX Carbon | Trail running, fastpacking | CLD (Core Locking Device) | Carbon | Foldable in 3, ultra-light |
| Guide 2 / Guide Lite 2 | Ski touring | Speed Lock 2 (Plus) | Aluminum | 110–150 cm |
| Guide Extreme V | Light ski touring | Foldable CLD | Carbon + Aluminum | 42 cm compact, Trigger V |
| Rider Ski Series | Alpine skiing, piste | Fixed or Vario | Aluminum or carbon | Fixed size according to length |
5. LEKI Adjustment Systems — Poles
Speed Lock 2 / 2 Plus
External aluminum lever. Tool-free adjustment, even with gloves. Secure locking down to -30°C. Standard on most LEKI trekking and ski touring poles.
Twist Lock
Rotation locking system. More compact. Used on some cross-country and trail poles. Less practical than Speed Lock with thick gloves.
CLD (Core Locking Device)
Internal locking system on folding poles. Automatic closure and quick opening in one gesture. Ultra-light. Present on Extreme V, Ultratrail FX models.
Trigger (Alpine Skiing)
Quick-release strap system at 220°. In case of a fall, the strap releases automatically to avoid wrist injuries. Standard on all LEKI ski gloves.
Part 2 — Gloves
Alpinstore Return Policy — Gloves
- Always measure your hand circumference (the widest part of the hand, excluding the thumb joints) rather than relying on your usual clothing size.
- Between two sizes: LEKI recommends choosing the larger size. A glove that is too tight reduces blood circulation and thus warmth.
- Leather gloves: leather softens quickly with use. If the glove feels slightly tight upon first wearing, this is normal — it will mold to your hand.
- Trigger S System: Trigger S compatible gloves (ski, hiking) have a tightening cuff around the wrist that integrates LEKI's quick-release system. This closure is independent of hand circumference — it adjusts on the glove.
- Unisex gloves: LEKI unisex gloves use a numerical size (7, 8, 9, 10, 11). Women generally take a smaller numerical size (7–8) than men (8–10).
6. Women's Glove Size Table
Measure the hand circumference at the widest point (excluding the thumb). Source: official LEKI guide.
| LEKI Size | INT | Hand Circumference (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | XS | 16.5 |
| 6.5 | XS | 17.5 |
| 7.0 | S | 19.0 |
| 7.5 | M | 20.5 |
| 8.0 | XL | 22.0 |
Some women's models do not exist in size 8.5 — women with larger hands may consider unisex or men's models in size 7 or 7.5.
7. Men's Glove Size Table
Measure the hand circumference at the widest point (excluding the thumb). Source: official LEKI guide.
| LEKI Size | INT | Hand Circumference (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | S | 18.5 |
| 7.5 | S | 19.5 |
| 8.0 | M | 21.0 |
| 8.5 | M | 22.5 |
| 9.0 | L | 23.5 |
| 9.5 | L | 24.5 |
| 10.0 | XL | 26.0 |
| 10.5 | XL | 27.7 |
| 11.0 | XXL | 29.0 |
8. Unisex & Junior Glove Sizes
Unisex Gloves
| Size No. | INT | Hand Circumference (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | S | 18.5 |
| 8.0 | M | 21.0 |
| 9.0 | L | 23.5 |
| 10.0 | XL | 26.0 |
| 11.0 | XXL | 29.0 |
Juniors / Children
| Size | Indicative Age |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2–3 years |
| 2 | 4–5 years |
| 3 | 6–7 years |
| 4 | 8–9 years |
| 5 | 10–11 years |
| 6 | 12–13 years |
| 7 | 14–15 years |
| 8 | 16–17 years |
9. LEKI FAQ Poles & Gloves
Can my trekking poles be used for skiing?
Technically yes, but it is not ideal. Trekking poles are designed for static downward loads, ski poles for dynamic lateral loads. The baskets and grips are different. For occasional ski touring with robust adjustable trekking poles, it is possible. For regular practice, invest in specific ski touring poles (Guide 2, Guide Lite 2) equipped with the right Binding Basket.
Aluminum or carbon for my poles?
Aluminum: more resistant to shocks and bending, deforms without breaking. Ideal for intensive use, technical terrains, hikers who do not count grams. More accessible price. Carbon: lighter (–15 to 30% depending on models), better vibration dampening on hard terrain, more fragile to lateral shocks. Ideal for trail runners, long outings, and hikers sensitive to pack weight. For technical trekking with heavy loads, aluminum is often preferable.
How to measure hand circumference?
With a flexible measuring tape, measure the circumference of your dominant hand at the widest point (at the finger joints, excluding the thumb). Slightly tighten the tape without compressing the hand. Measure three times and take the largest. Refer to the corresponding LEKI table (men, women, or unisex). In case of doubt between two sizes, always choose the larger size — a glove that is too tight limits blood circulation and causes cold hands.
What is the Trigger system and do I need it?
The Trigger system (Trigger S, Trigger 3D) is LEKI's strap/glove attachment system for skiing. It allows you to engage and detach the glove from the pole in one click, without removing your glove. In case of a fall, the strap releases automatically at 220° of pull to avoid wrist injuries. For piste and touring skiing, this system is highly recommended. LEKI ski gloves are Trigger S compatible as long as they are labeled "Trigger S" — check compatibility with your pole.
LEKI data based on official LEKI tools (Pole length advisor and glove size guide, leki.com/fr). Length formulas are recommendations — personal preferences and technique may justify adjustments of ± 5 cm. For gloves, the LEKI numerical scale (6–11) is the main reference; INT sizes (S/M/L/XL) are indicative and vary slightly by ranges.
